Vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner includes working elements of cleaner, that is, a blower and a dust collection unit disposed in a nozzle section of which casing is composed of an upper unit and a lower unit, and having a handle coupled to the nozzle section. At least one of the working elements is supported by the upper unit and a support unit provided in the lower unit or by the lower unit and a support unit provided in the upper unit. Therefore, the cleaner can be repaired without having all screws removed, thus repaired conveniently.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and moreparticularly to a vacuum cleaner being repaired easily and capable ofinforming a user of a collected dust level.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A conventional vacuum cleaner disclosed in Japanese Laid-openPatent No. 9-192056 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35.Referring to the drawings, the configuration will be explained below.

[0003] As shown in the drawings, the vacuum cleaner includes a workingelement, i.e., a blower 201, a dust collection box unit 202 having adust collection box 212 and a filter unit 213, and a rotary brush 203.The cleaner also includes a nozzle section 204 which accommodating theabove parts and a handle 205 coupled to the nozzle section 204. A caseof the nozzle section 204, being composed of an upper unit 206 and alower unit 207, supports or holds the working element of the blower 201,the dust collection box unit 202, and the rotary brush 203. In thisconfiguration, for being repaired or maintained, the inside of thecleaner cannot be checked unless all screws tightening the upper unit206 and lower unit 207 of the nozzle section 204 are removed. Recently,moreover, in order to give a one-body impression of the design of thenozzle section 204 and upper unit 206, a division line between the unitstends to be hidden.

[0004] A dust suction port 209 linking to the dust collection box unit202 is provided at the center of the nozzle section 204, and dustparticles are swept out from a floor with the rotary brush 203 and aresucked into the dust collecting box unit 202. A suction passage 210 fromthe blower 201 is provided at a belt side nearly from the center in thedust collection box unit 202. The dust particles swept out from thefloor with the rotary brush 203 pass through the dust suction port 209,and get into the dust collection box unit 202. In this case, since apositional deviation between an exhaust port 211 and the dust suctionport 209 of the dust collection box unit 202 is slight, the dustparticles are collected at the center, and are hardly collected at thecorners of the dust collection box unit 202. As a result, even if thedust collection box unit 202 is not filled with the dust particles,power of suction may be dropped.

[0005] A switch 214 is attached to the lower unit of the nozzle section204, and is turned on and off with a pedal 215. The switch 214 isconnected with a wire to a charger connection part 220 which connectsthe blower 201, a second motor 216 for driving the rotary brush 203, anda battery 218 to a charger.

[0006] The battery 218 and blower 201 are located at one side from thecenter in the nozzle section 204.

[0007] Exhaust from the blower 201 is released from an exhaust port 222provided in the upper unit 206 of the nozzle section 204. The exhaustport 222 is provided with an exhaust filter 223 for removing dustparticles from the exhaust.

[0008] In this configuration, however, if there occurs a trouble in thenozzle section 204, the inside of the nozzle section cannot be checkedunless all screws tightening the nozzle section 204 are removed. And ithence takes much time and labor to check the inside throughdisassembling it. Moreover, in an assembling process, since the switch214 and the charger connection part 220 are far from each other, a leadwire 221 needs to be long, thus making the cleaner be hardly assembled.

[0009] Besides, since the blower 201 and battery 218 are placed upperand lower at the same position, the center of gravity of the nozzlesection 204 is shifted to one side of the section, and the cleaner ishardly carried and used.

[0010] Further, since this cleaner has no mechanism for locking thenozzle section 204 with the handle 205 when being carried, upon thecleaner having the handle 205 lifted, the nozzle section 204 droopsdown. Therefore, when carrying the cleaner, a user must lift the nozzlesection 204 with holding a portion of the depth of the section, with notholding a slight portion, and thus, can hardly carry the cleaner. To thecontrary, if the cleaner is designed to have the nozzle section 204 andhandle 205 locked, it is necessary to unlock by stepping on the nozzlesection 204 although the holding force of lock is sufficient, and thecleaner can thus hardly be used.

[0011] Further, exhaust is not released to outside of the vacuum cleanerrecently, but in this configuration, the exhaust is discharged outside,and is not good for environments.

[0012] The configuration of the dust collection box unit 202 installedin a central recess of the nozzle section 204, from the aspect ofdesign, requires the handle of the dust collection box unit 202 formedin the center This sacrifices a dust collection capacity of the dustcollection box unit 202. And further, the upward opening makes a portionaround the opening hollow and weak structurally.

[0013] The cleaner is packaged as a completed product with the handle205 attached, but tends to be packaged smaller and lighter recently, andthe package size is thus required to reduce. When repairing the cleaner,since the handle 205 is not locked, an operator must lower his/her waistfor putting the product horizontally, and can hardly work.

[0014] The switch 214 can be turned on and off by stepping on the pedal215, but may be hardly used with the foot or stepped by a lefty.

[0015] Since the second motor 216 is used for rotating the rotary brush203, the cleaner has an increased weight, and this is out of a recenttrend of a small size and light weight.

[0016] Dust is collected only at the suction path by the blower 201 inthe dust collection box unit 202 which is exposed to suction by theblower 201, and dust does not gather in the end portion of the unit.

[0017] For being installed in a recess 224 of the nozzle section 204,the dust collection box unit 202 is not prevented sufficiently frombeing inserted in wrong direction.

[0018] The dust suction port 209, which is provided in the center of thenozzle section 204 has bristles of which direction does not match to therotation direction of the rotary brush 203. This decreases a dustcollection performance.

[0019] Since an intake port 225 of the dust collection box unit 202 ismade of soft material, when being installed in the recess 224 of thenozzle section 204, the dust collection box unit 202 receives anexcessive fitting stress and may thus deform in order to be fit tightly.

[0020] The dust collection box unit 202 is held and fixed at a ratchetholder 226 provided at a side of the bottom of the recess 224 of thenozzle section 204. In this case, dust may leak from the dust collectionbox unit 202 and may be collected in the ratchet holder 226, and maymake the holder 226 fail to function.

[0021] Since the dust collection box unit 202 is inserted into therecess 224 of the nozzle section 204 from above, a detaching handle 227of the dust collection box unit 202 must be provided in the center ofthe dust collection box unit 202. This decreases the dust collectioncapacity and makes the appearance poor.

[0022] The dust collection box unit 202 installed in the central recessof the nozzle section 204 requires the opening made upward and makes thestrength weaker.

[0023] Another conventional vacuum cleaner disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication No.10-302461 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 36 to FIG.38. The configuration will be explained below while referring to thedrawings.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 36 to FIG. 38, a battery 233 and a blower 234driven by it are accommodated in a cleaner main body 231. Behind thecleaner main body 231, a dust collector 231 b is provided at a suctionside of the blower 234. Ahead of the cleaner main body 231, a suctionunit 231 a is provided, and a lower side of the suction unit 231 a has asuction port for leading dust from a cleaning surface into the suctionunit 231 a. The suction unit 231 a and the dust collector 231 b arecommunicated through a communicating path. At a lower side behind thecleaner main body 231, a terminal connection unit 235 for charging isdisposed. A lower side of the terminal connection unit 235 has a concaveshape, and a terminal 235 a is fitted in this concave inner wall. At arear end of the cleaner main body 231, a traveling roller 246 projectingfrom the lower side and rear side of the cleaner main body 231 isprovided. A charger 237 is composed of a box unit 238, a coupling unit241 extending forward from the lower-front end of the box unit 238, anda terminal unit 239 for charging provided on the coupling unit 241 atthe front side of the box unit 238 which is inserted into a recess ofthe terminal connection unit 235 of the cleaner main body 231. Near theterminal unit 239 in the box unit 238, a power source transformer 240for charging is incorporated. With having the terminal connection unit235 receive the terminal unit 239 of the charger 237 inserted theretoand with having mutual terminals connected to each other, the cleanermain body 231 is installed horizontally on the charger 237 to beconnected electrically, so that the battery 233 in the cleaner main body231 may be charged. A power cable 242 is inserted into an ordinary walloutlet.

[0025] In such conventional configuration, however, as shown in FIG. 37,the transformer 240, printed circuit boards, and other electrical partsare disposed inside. The charger 237 is formed in a box shape with theterminal unit 239 for charging to be inserted into the terminalconnection unit 235 of the cleaner main body 231. The charger 237 andthe terminal connection unit 235 for charging of the cleaner main body231 are fitted and installed horizontally. In this case, the cleanermain body 231 and the charger 237 are stored in a tandem layout, and thestoring space is large. When the charger 237 is mounted on the cleanermain body 231, the terminal connection unit 235 provided beneath thecleaner main body 231 and the terminal unit 239 of the charger 237placed on a floor must be connected by inserting convex and concave ribsexactly from above. This makes the cleaner be hardly used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The invention is to solve above problems, and a first objectthereof is to allow a cleaner to be repaired easily, to inform a user ofa dust collection level, and to be used easily.

[0027] A second object is to allow a cleaner to be charged and stored ina compact space for being used easily.

[0028] To achieve the first object, the invention presents a cleanerincluding working elements of the cleaner, that is, a blower and a dustcollection box unit, both disposed in a nozzle section, and a handlecoupled to the nozzle section. A case of the nozzle section is composedof an upper unit and a lower unit. And at least one of the workingelements is supported by the upper unit and other member disposed at thelower unit or by the lower unit and other member disposed at the upperunit.

[0029] As a result, the cleaner can be repaired without having allscrews removed, and thus, can be repaired easily.

[0030] The dust collection box unit communicating with a suction side ofthe blower for collecting dust is composed of a dust collection box anda filter unit detachably fitted to the dust collection box. Intake airthrough the dust collection box unit flows nearly in parallel with asurface of the filter unit.

[0031] Accordingly, dust particles are collected in the dust collectionbox unit sequentially from the inner side of the dust collection boxunit, and a user can visually recognize a dust collection level, andthus, the cleaner can be used easily.

[0032] To achieve the second object, the vacuum cleaner includes acleaner main body having a terminal connection unit for charging, and acharger of a box shape formed separately. And a terminal unit forcharging is provided at a coupling surface of the box shape, and thecleaner main body is mounted on the coupling surface.

[0033] As a result, instead of a tandem layout, the charger of the boxshape can be placed in parallel with the cleaner main body, and a floorcontact area occupied by the cleaner main body and the chargeroverlaying on the body when the body is stored. This provides thecleaner with no obstacle when being stored, and is used easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according toembodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0036]FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0037]FIG. 4 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0038]FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a dust collection box ofthe vacuum cleaner.

[0039]FIG. 6 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0040]FIG. 7 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0041]FIG. 8 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0042]FIG. 9 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0043]FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the vacuumcleaner.

[0044]FIG. 11 is a sidecross sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0045]FIG. 12 is an essential perspective exploded view of the vacuumcleaner.

[0046]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0047]FIG. 14 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0048]FIG. 15 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0049]FIG. 16 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0050]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according toembodiment 2 of the invention.

[0051]FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0052]FIG. 19 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the vacuumcleaner.

[0053]FIG. 20 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0054]FIG. 21 is a perspective exploded view of a dust collection box ofthe vacuum cleaner.

[0055]FIG. 22 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0056]FIG. 23 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the vacuumcleaner.

[0057]FIG. 24 is a side cross sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0058]FIG. 25 is a perspective exploded view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0059]FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0060]FIG. 27 is an essential sectional view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0061]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0062]FIG. 29 is an essential cross sectional view of the vacuumcleaner.

[0063]FIG. 30 is a perspective exploded view of the dust collection boxof the vacuum cleaner.

[0064]FIG. 31(a) is a perspective view of a charger of a vacuum cleaneraccording to embodiment 3 of the invention.

[0065]FIG. 31(b) is a partially cutout front view of the charger of thevacuum cleaner.

[0066]FIG. 31(c) is a partially cut-out top view of the charger of thevacuum cleaner.

[0067]FIG. 32 is a side sectional view having a cleaner main bodyaccommodated in the charger of the vacuum cleaner.

[0068]FIG. 33 is a horizontal sectional view of the cleaner main body ofthe vacuum cleaner.

[0069]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner.

[0070]FIG. 35 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the vacuumcleaner.

[0071]FIG. 36 is a side view of another conventional cleaneraccommodating a cleaner main body and a charger.

[0072]FIG. 37(a) is a cross sectional view of the charger of the vacuumcleaner.

[0073]FIG. 37(b) is a top view of the charger of the vacuum cleaner.

[0074]FIG. 37(c) is a side view of the charger of the vacuum cleaner.

[0075]FIG. 38(a) is a side view of the cleaner main body of the vacuumcleaner.

[0076]FIG. 38(b) is a top view of the cleaner main body of the vacuumcleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0077] (Embodiment 1)

[0078] Referring to the drawings, embodiment 1 of the invention will beexplained below.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a nozzle section 4 includes a casecomposed of an upper unit 6, a lower unit 7, a window 24, a lid 25, abelt cover 26, and a support plate 64. The case incorporates a blower 1,a dust collection box unit 2, a rotary brush 3, a safety device 17, aswitch 14, and a hand-holder 27. A handle 5 made of aluminum isdetachably fitted to the hand-holder 27. The handle 5 includes three orfour aluminum pipes combined together with one another. A grip 28 of thehandle 5 is a position to be gripped by a user. In a center of a fittingbody 29 of the handle 5 engaged with the hand-holder 27, an elasticratchet 30 is provided and is engaged with a hole 31 in the hand-holder27.

[0080] One side of a rotary shaft 32 of the hand-holder 27 forms a footto be fitted with a spring 33 in nearly U-shape as shown in FIG. 6 andFIG. 7. The switch 14 is fixed to a switch support plate 34 at the otherside of the rotary shaft 32 as shown in FIG. 8, and the rotary shaft 32is inserted in a hole 35 of the switch support plate 34.

[0081] In a rotary brush compartment 8, the rotary brush 3 is disposed,and the belt cover 26 is provided to cover a pulley 36. A fan 38 ispress-fitted at one end of a shaft 37 of the blower 1, and a pulley 39is attached to the other end of the shaft 37. The pulley 39 is linked toan intermediate pulley 40 with a belt 41, and the intermediate pulley 40and a pulley 36 are linked with a belt 42.

[0082] A brush 44 is disposed at a front side of the nozzle section 4,and a brush 45 is disposed at a lower side of the center of the cleanermain body. A roller 46 is provided behind.

[0083] The dust collection box unit 2 is composed of a dust collectionbox 12 and a filter unit 13 as shown in FIG. 5. An intake port 43 of thedust collection box 12 is enclosed with a rib and is matched, as shownin FIG. 9, with a surface of a dust suction port 9 of the rotary brushcompartment 8, a suction compartment.

[0084] An operation of the vacuum cleaner having such configuration willbe explained. The handle 5, upon being turned from a 90-degree uprightposition by a certain angle about the rotary shaft 32, turns on theswitch 14. When the switch 14 is turned on, the blower 1 starts torotate and makes the rotary brush 3 rotate accordingly through theintermediate pulley 40. Dust particles swept by the rotary brush 3 aresent into the dust collection box unit 2 from the dust suction port 9through the intake port 43, and are collected in the dust collection boxunit 2 without passing through the filter unit 13 provided at theoutlet. The exhaust passing through the filter unit 13 passes throughthe filter 47 and passes further through the blower 1 and filter 48.Then, the exhaust is discharged into the rotary brush compartment 8. Thehandle 5, being returned to the original position, stops the operation.

[0085] The blower 1 is supported by the upper unit 6 and the supportplate 64. And the dust collection box unit 2 is supported by the lowerunit 7 and the window 24. The rotary brush 3 is supported by the upperunit 6 and the belt cover 26. That is, the blower 1, the dust collectionbox unit 2, and the rotary brush 3 are supported by the upper unit 6 andother member, or the lower unit 7 and other member.

[0086] In this configuration, when, for example, the blower 1 failing tooperate is to be repaired, the support plate 64 supporting the blower 1is removed, so that the blower 1 can be checked and repaired. Thus, thecleaner can be repaired easily without having all screws fixing thenozzle section 4 removed.

[0087] Moreover, since the upper unit 6, lower unit 7, support plate 64,window 24, and belt cover 26 are separated, each part may be composed tohave its own feature. For example, the support plate 64 may be made ofrigid material to enhance the supporting force. The window 24 and beltcover 26 may be made of transparent material so that a dust collectionlevel or invasion of hairs in the belt cover 26 can be checked fromoutside.

[0088] When being inserted in and pulled out from a side of the nozzlesection 4 like a drawer, the dust collection box unit 2 usually slideseasily. But when the space between the dust collection box unit 2 andlower unit 7 is clogged with dust, the box unit can hardly be pulledout. In such case, removing the window 24 allows the dust collection boxunit 2 to move, so that dust may be removed easily.

[0089] The rotary brush 3 is supported by the upper unit 6 and the beltcover 26. If the rotary brush 3 is clogged with hairs or large dustparticles getting into a space between the rotary brush 3 and dustsuction port 9, removing the belt cover 26 allows the rotary brush 3 tobe removed, so that the hairs or large dust particles can be removedeasily.

[0090] This configuration provides an easy-to-repair vacuum cleaner ofhigh quality.

[0091] Dust particles swept by the rotary brush 3 are sent into the dustcollection box unit 2 from the dust suction port 9 through the intakeport 43, and collected in the dust collection box unit 2 without passingthrough the filter unit 13 provided at the outlet. Not having theexhaust hole for discharging the exhaust from the blower 1 to outsidefrom the nozzle section 4, the cleaner allows the exhaust passingthrough the filter unit 13 to pass through the filter 47, and further topass through the blower 1 and filter 48. Then, the exhaust is dischargedinto the rotary brush compartment 8. This exhaust circulation loop has avacuum cleaner silent in operation and friendly to environments.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, regardless of thepresence of the exhaust circulation loop, the cleaner may includes abattery 49 in the nozzle section 4, in the hand-holder 27, or in bothnozzle section 4 and hand-holder 27. This provides acordless/easy-to-use vacuum cleaner.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the rotary brush 3 is provided inthe rotary brush compartment 8. The dust suction port 9 is provided in awall of the rotary brush compartment 8 as shown in FIG. 9. The intakeport 43 corresponding to the dust suction port 9 is formed in the dustcollection box unit 2, and the dust suction port 9 is located at theopposite side of the pulley 36 of the rotary brush 3.

[0094] In this configuration, dust particles swept by the rotary brush 3are collected in the dust collection box unit 2 from the dust suctionport 9 through the intake port 43. Bristles of the rotary brush 3 areusually planted spirally, and, through a rotation of the rotary brush 3,guides the dust particles into the dust suction port 9. The dust suctionport 9, if being provided near the pulley 36 of the rotary brush 3,allows dust particles to invade into the pulley 36 and makes teeth ofthe pulley clogged and broken. Thus, the dust particles possiblygenerate unusual noise, and therefore, the dust suction port 9 isprovided at the opposite side of the pulley 36. When being carried andhitting a corner of furniture or the like, the cleaner main body has thenozzle section 4 unlocked and direct downward. In such case, in orderthat the dust collected in the bottom of the dust collection box unit 2may not spill out through the dust suction port 9 from the intake port43, the dust suction port 9 and the intake port 43 are provided athigher positions than the middle level of the unit 2.

[0095] This configuration provides a vacuum cleaner of high quality,hardly spilling dust, and easy to use.

[0096] Then, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, acharger connection unit 51 connected to a charger stand 50 holds andinstalls a charging terminal 52 and the switch 14 onto the lower unit 7of the nozzle section 4. At this moment, the switch 14 has a hole fittedto a pin 53 projecting from the charger connection unit 51. The chargerconnection unit 51, being close to the lower unit 7 of the nozzlesection 4, prevents the switch 14 from slipping out to the side.

[0097] This configuration can be assembled easily through incorporatingthe charging terminal 52 and switch 14 into the charger connection unit51 to compose a unit, and through engaging the unit with the lower unit7 of the nozzle section 4. Lead wires 21 coming out of the chargingterminal 52 includes those connected to the switch 14 and othersconnected to the power source battery 49, and are crossing across eachother. But upon being relayed with the charger connection unit 51, thelead wires 21 can be arranged easily and neatly and prevented from beingentangled. This provides a vacuum cleaner which is assembled easily andhas an excellent quality.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, about the center line of thehand-holder 27 in the nozzle section 4, the blower 1 is provided at theright side and the battery 49 at the left side. And the dust collectionbox unit 2 and the rotary brush compartment 8 having the rotary brush 3are disposed in parallel with each other to right and left.

[0099] This configuration does not position the weight to one side inthe nozzle section 4, thus providing the cleaner with a weight balance.As a result, the main body is avoided from sinking or lifting at oneside on the carpet while being carried and from tendency of bending onone side and not on other side.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, a nearly U-shaped foot54 formed at one side of the rotary shaft 32 of the hand-holder 27 inthe nozzle section 4 is composed to be fitted with the bump of thespring 33 fixed on the upper unit 6. In order that the rotary shaft 32may move vertically, elliptical, not semicircular, shaft supports 68 areprovided in the upper unit 6 and lower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4.

[0101] In this configuration, the switch 14 is designed to be operatedby the turning hand-holder 27, and the nearly U-shaped foot 54 of therotary shaft 32 is engaged with the bump of the spring 33. As theU-shaped foot 54 rides over the bump, the switch 14 is pushed andoperated. When the cleaner main body is carried, the U-shaped foot 54rides over the bump even by a slight impact if the engagement of thebump of the spring 33 and the U-shaped foot 54 is shallow. Thus, theswitch 14 is operated by mistake. In order to prevent such erraticoperation, in normal position, when the cleaner is lifted, the rotaryshaft 32 moves upward by the weight of the cleaner, and the bump of thespring 33 bites into the U-shaped foot 54 to deepen the engagement. Thisprevents the U-shaped foot 54 from riding over the bump by a slightimpact, so that the switch 14 may not be turned on, although theengagement of the bump of the spring 33 and the U-shaped foot 54 isshallow. That is, the hand-holder 27 is usually operated with a smallforce to turn on and off the switch 14. And when the cleaner is moved,the hand-holder 27 is not moved easily and does not have the switch 14turned on or off, thus providing a controllable, easy-to-use vacuumcleaner.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the nearlyU-shaped foot 54 is formed at one side of the rotary shaft 32 of thehand-holder 27 in the nozzle section 4. And the U-shape of the foot 54is composed to be fitted with the bump of the spring 33 fixed on theupper unit 6. In order that the rotary shaft 32 may move vertically,elliptical, not semicircular, shaft supports 68 are provided in theupper unit 6 and lower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4. Further, in thelower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4, a spring 55 for pushing the rotaryshaft 32 always upward is provided.

[0103] In this configuration, the switch 14 is also designed to beoperated by the turning hand-holder 27. Then, the nearly U-shaped foot54 of the rotary shaft 32 is engaged with the bump of the spring 33. Asthe U-shaped foot 54 rides over the bump, the switch 14 is pushed andoperated. When the cleaner main body is carried, the U-shaped foot 54rides over the bump even by a slight impact if the engagement of thebump of the spring 33 and the U-shaped foot 54 is shallow. And theswitch 14 is thus operated by mistake. Therefore, in order to deepen theengagement of the bump of the spring 33 and U-shaped foot 54, when thecleaner main body is carried, that is, when the handle 5 is in avertical position to the nozzle section 4, the spring 55 is provided inthe lower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4 for always pushing up therotary shaft 32. And this spring 55 pushes down the rotary shaft 32 byits own weight when the user grips the handle 5. That is, when thehandle 5 is tilted by the user, the engagement of the bump of the spring33 and the U-shaped foot 54 becomes shallow, so that the U-shaped foot54 can ride over the bump easily. Thus, in normal operation, thehand-holder 27 can be operated with a small force. And when the cleaneris carried, the hand-holder 27 is not operated easily, thus carried moreeasily, so that a vacuum cleaner having an excellent controllability andbeing used easily can be presented.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the blower 1, dust collection boxunit 2, and rotary brush 3 are disposed in the nozzle section 4. Thebelt 41 for linking the pulley 39 and intermediate pulley 40 of theblower 1, and the belt 42 for linking the intermediate pulley 40 andpulley unit 36 of the rotary brush 3 are disposed in the beltcompartment 56. The belts transmit rotation of the blower 1. The filter48 is provided on the wall of the rotary brush compartment 8.

[0105] In the exhaust circulation loop for returning the exhaust passingthrough the filter unit 13 to the brush compartment 8, the beltcompartment 56 is utilized as a passage of the exhaust circulation.Therefore, the belts and pulleys are exposed to the exhaust and are notcontaminated by dust, and the dust is prevented from invading fromoutside. The passage is confronting the rotary brush compartment 8 ofthe rotary brush 3, but the filter 48 is provided to prevent the dustparticles swept by the rotary brush 3 from invading. The cleaner, sincehaving the belt compartment 56 composed in the exhaust circulationpassage, does not need an extra exhaust circulation passage and has thecleaner main body be compact while maintaining the capacity of the dustcollection box unit 2.

[0106] This configuration provides a silent, environment-friendly,lightweight vacuum cleaner.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the vacuum cleaner according to theembodiment includes the blower 1, dust collection box unit 2, and rotarybrush 3. These are disposed in the nozzle section 4. The cleaner furtherincludes a handle 5 coupled to the nozzle section 4. An opening 57 isformed at the side of the nozzle section 4, and the dust collection boxunit 2 at the opening 57. The dust collection box unit 2 is composedlike a drawer.

[0108] In this configuration, when dust is collected in the dustcollection box unit 2, the dust collection box unit 2 is drawn out fromthe opening 57 formed at the side of the nozzle section 4, and then, thedust is discarded. After the dust is discarded, the dust collection boxunit 2 is inserted into the opening 57 and put back in its initialposition.

[0109] Therefore, the handle is not needed to set on the dust collectionbox unit 2, and the design is not spoiled, so that a vacuum cleanermaintaining a sufficient dust collection capacity can be presented.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, the dust collection boxunit 2 is disposed in the nozzle section 4, and the dust collection boxunit 2 is composed like a drawer in a space enclosed by the lower unit 7and window 24. Or the dust collection box unit 2 may be also composed ina space enclosed by the upper unit 6 and window 24.

[0111] In this configuration, the dust collection box unit 2 is disposedin a place enclosed by the lower unit 7 and the window 24 because thisenclosed place is hardly moved by deviation of ribs due to impact fromthe front side of the cleaner main body. Therefore, the upper side isreinforced by composing of the lower unit 7 and fitting the window 24,thereby increasing rigidity and strength of an accommodated portion ofthe dust collection box unit 2 and the nozzle section 4. Although notexplained herein, a place enclosed by the upper unit 6 and window 24provides the same effect.

[0112] Further, as shown in FIG. 13, one or more holes 58 formed in thewindow 24 make the inside of the dust collection box unit 2 be visiblefrom the top of the cleaner main body. This allows the dust collectinglevel to be checked, thus providing an easy-to-use vacuum cleaner.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 16, a rib 67 is provided at a lowerside of the dust collection box 12, and a bump 66 is provided on thelower unit 7. When the dust collection box 12 is stored, the rib 67 ofthe dust collection box contacts with the bump 66 of the lower unit 7,and the dust collection box 12 is pushed upward. Then, the window 24 andlower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4 are deflected. Thus, upon ridingover the bump 66, the dust collection box 2 can be stored and beprevented from dislocation from the nozzle section 4, thus providing aneasy-to-use vacuum cleaner.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the nozzle section 4 is dividedinto a front portion, i.e., a first outer frame 59, and a rear portion,i.e., a second outer frame 60. The blower 1, dust collection box unit 2,and rotary brush 3 are provided in the first outer frame 59, and thehand-holder 27 and switch 14 are provided in the second outer frame 60.The switch 14 is operated as the hand-holder 27 is turned. That is, therequired airtight portions for suction and exhaust by the blower 1 areput in the first outer frame 59, and the portions prevented from dust,or the operating units to be manipulated by the user are put in thesecond outer frame 60.

[0115] In this configuration, the rotary brush 3, dust collection boxunit 2, and blower 1 require a sufficient space for working efficiency,and they are put in the first outer frame 59 to assure a sufficient dustcollecting performance in this space. The other parts relating tomanipulation by the user are put in the second outer frame 60. Thisallows the vacuum cleaner to be used easily, to be small and compact.The cleaner thus has sense of volume as seen from the front side limitedto the first outer frame 59 only, so that the design of appearance isnot spoiled.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 14, when the hand-holder 27is tilted forward, a surface 61 linking to the forward upper surface ofthe nozzle section 4 is formed on the upper surface of the hand-holder27. Simultaneously, a surface 62 parallel with the ground contactingsurface of the cleaner main body is formed on the upper surface of thehand-holder 27.

[0117] This configuration make a user hardly work while holding thecleaner main body when replacing or repairing the rotary brush 3.However, the surface 61 can be placed on the floor for ease of the work,and the surface 62, upon being parallel with the ground-contactingsurface when the cleaner is packed with the hand-holder 27 inclined,allows the package size to be reduced.

[0118] Thus, the vacuum cleaner can be repaired more easily, and have areduced package size.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 15, the switch 14 isdesigned to be turned on and off by the turning hand-holder 27. Thehand-holder 27, upon being in the upright position and the horizontaltilted position makes the switch 14 turned off, and, upon being in aturning range between the upright position and horizontal position,makes the switch 14 turned on.

[0120] This configuration allows the switch 14 to be operated by theturning hand-holder 27. While being used, the hand-holder does not reacha horizontal position until contacting with the floor and thus, leavingthe switch 14 turned on. When the cleaner is stored, the switch 14 isturned off in the horizontal position of the holder. Therefore, thecleaner has the hand-holder 27 tilted horizontally and can be put on thewall with being flat. This allows a storing space to be reduced and thusto be stored at any place.

[0121] Thus, a vacuum cleaner having an excellent controllability andreduced install space can be presented.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the nearlyU-shaped foot 54 formed at one side of the rotary shaft 32 of thehand-holder 27 in the nozzle section 4 is fitted with the bump of thespring 33 fixed on the upper unit 6. In order that the rotary shaft 32may move vertically, elliptical, not semicircular, shaft supports 68 isprovided in the upper unit 6 and the lower unit 7 of the nozzle section4. Further, in the lower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4, a spring 55 forpushing the rotary shaft 32 upward is provided. Moreover, the switch 14is provided in the rotary shaft 32 together with the switch supportplate 34. The switch 14 moves up and down according to a vertical motionof the rotary shaft 32. A rib 63 for fixing the switch support plate 34is also provided from the lower unit 7.

[0123] In this configuration, the switch 14 is operated by the turninghand-holder 27, and the nearly U-shaped foot 54 of the rotary shaft 32is engaged with the bump of the spring 33. As the U-shaped foot 54 ridesover the bump, the switch 14 is pushed and operated. When the cleanermain body is carried, the U-shaped foot 54 rides over the bump even by aslight impact if the engagement of the bump of the spring 33 and theU-shaped foot 54 is shallow. Thus, the switch 14 is operated by mistake.In order to deepen the engagement of the bump of the spring 33 andU-shaped foot 54 in the ordinary position, the spring 55 is provided inthe lower unit 7 of the nozzle section 4 for always pushing up therotary shaft 32. And the spring 55 thus pushes down the rotary shaft 32by its own weight when the user grips the handle 5. Thus, the engagementof the bump of the spring 33 and the U-shaped foot 54 is made shallow.This allows the U-shaped foot 54 to ride over the bump of the spring 33easily. At this moment, the switch 14 moves up and down similarly to therotary shaft 32.

[0124] Thus, a vacuum cleaner excellent in controllability and easy touse can be presented.

[0125] Further, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the blower 1, dustcollection box unit 2, and rotary brush 3 are disposed in the nozzlesection 4. The belt 41 for linking the pulley 39 and the intermediatepulley 40 of the blower 1, and the belt 42 for linking the intermediatepulley 40 and pulley unit 36 of the rotary brush 3 are disposed in thebelt compartment 56. The belts transmit a rotation of the blower 1. Anexhaust filter 23 is provided opposite to the rotary brush compartment8.

[0126] In this configuration, the blower 1 rotates, and the intermediatepulley 40 is accordingly rotated by the belt 41, and the rotation istransmitted to the rotary brush 3 through the belt 42. Therefore, dustis swept away from the cleaning surface.

[0127] This provides a lightweight vacuum cleaner which does notincluding a second motor.

[0128] As described herein, in the vacuum cleaner according to theembodiment, the blower 1, the dust collection box unit 2 and the rotarybrush 3 as the working elements of the cleaner are disposed in thenozzle section 4. And, the handle 5 is coupled to the nozzle section 4.Since the working elements of the cleaner is supported by the upper unit6 of the nozzle section 4 and other member or by the lower unit 7 andother member, the cleaner has the rotary brush 3 replaced without havingall screws removed. This enhances repairing efficiency.

[0129] The vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment includes theworking elements of the cleaner, that is, the blower 1, the dustcollection box unit 2, and the dust suction port 9 having the rotarybrush 3. The working elements are disposed in the nozzle section 4, andthe handle 5 is coupled to the nozzle section 4. Therefore, the dustsuction port 9 for leading dust particles from the rotary brushcompartment 8 into the dust collection box unit 2 is disposed slightlyabove the center in the height direction of the dust collection box unit2 at a side opposite to the belt in the rotary brush compartment 8. As aresult, when the dust collection box unit 2 is took out, or when thecleaner main body is carried, the dust particles do not spill away. Thisallows the cleaner to be used easily and to exhibit enhancedperformance.

[0130] The vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment, at least twosurfaces are provided on the top of the hand-holder 27. That is, thesurface links to the top ahead of the nozzle section 4 when the cleanermain body is tilted forward at one side. Then, the plane surface ispositioned in parallel with the ground contact surface when thehand-holder 27 is tilted at other side. This allows the cleaner to berepaired easily and to have a reduced package size.

[0131] The vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment includes theswitch 14 operated with the turning hand-holder 27. The switch 14 isturned off when the cleaner main body is tilted to flat or more thanflat. When the cleaner is stored, the switch is turned off automaticallywith the cleaner main body to be set in flat, to be putting on a wallhook or the like. This reduces its storing space.

[0132] The switch 14 is provided in the rotary shaft 32 of thehand-holder 27, and is operated by the turning hand-holder 27.Therefore, the rotary shaft 32 is moved up and down, and the switch 14is accordingly turned on and off. This allows the cleaner to be usedconveniently.

[0133] The cleaner according to the embodiment includes the workingelements of the cleaner, that is, the blower 1, dust collection box unit2, and rotary brush 3 disposed in the nozzle section 4. And the handle 5is coupled to the nozzle section 4, in which the terminal 52 and theswitch 14 are assembled in the charger connection unit 5. A side wall ofthe cleaner main body prevents the switch 14 from slipping out by. Thisallows the cleaner to be assembled easily.

[0134] While allowing a vertical play in the rotary shaft 32 of thehand-holder 27 attached to the nozzle section 4 having the dustcollecting mechanism, the hand-holder 27 is supported by engagementbetween the spring 33 composed in the upper unit 6 of the nozzle section4 and the foot of the hand-holder 27, and therefore the locking force ofthe hand-holder 27 is increased, and the nozzle section 4 is preventedfrom being lifted during use, so that the ease of use is enhanced.

[0135] The spring 55 for always applying a force upward from beneath isprovided in the foot of the hand-holder 27. As a result, the hand-holder27 is pushed up, and the spring 33 moves into the foot of thehand-holder 27. This stabilizes the handle 5 without looseness, andallows the cleaner to be used easily.

[0136] The cleaner according to the embodiment includes the blower 1,the rotary brush 3, and the belt compartment 56 incorporating the beltfor linking the blower 1 and the rotary brush 3. The compartment iscomposed in the exhaust passage, and therefore, preventing the exhaustfrom being discharged outside, but has the exhaust circulated within thecleaner main body. This provides a silent, environment-friendly vacuumcleaner.

[0137] The cleaner according to the embodiment includes the workingelements of the cleaner, that is, the blower 1, the dust collection boxunit 2, and rotary brush 3. These are disposed in the nozzle section 4,and the handle 5 is coupled to the nozzle section 4, in which the dustcollection box unit 2 can be freely drawn out of the opening 57 providedat the side of the cleaner main body. As a result, the cleaner does notrequire a handle on the top of the dust collection box unit 2, does haveits design not spoiled, and does maintain the dust collection capacity.

[0138] The cleaner according to the embodiment includes the dustcollection box unit 2 composed of a dust collection box main body 12 anda filter unit 13 detachably fitted to the dust collection box main body.A window 24 is provided on the top of the cleaner main body so as tocover the dust collection box unit 2. In the compartment enclosed by thewindow 24 and one of the lower unit 7 and the upper unit 6, the dustcollection box unit 2 is installed like a drawer. Since the opening isreinforced by other member, the cleaner become stronger.

[0139] Further, functional parts, that is, the blower 1, (lustcollection box unit 2, and rotary brush 3 are installed in a first outerframe 59 ahead of the cleaner main body, while the handle 5 and switch14 are put in a second outer frame 60. As a result, in suction andexhaust by the blower 1, the parts are divided into required airtightparts and dust-free parts. This allows the cleaner to be repaired moreconveniently.

[0140] In the cleaner, the working elements of the cleaner, that is, theblower 1, dust collection box unit 2, and rotary brush 3 are disposed inthe nozzle section 4. The handle 5 is coupled to the nozzle section 4.The battery 49 and the blower 1 are distributed to right and left sideof the nozzle section 4. This provides the cleaner with a uniform weightbalance and allows the cleaner to be used and carried more easily.

[0141] The blower 1, the rotary brush 3, and a speed reducer areconcentrated in the nozzle section 4. The rotation of the blower 1 isdecelerated by the intermediate pulley 40, and is further decelerated bythe rotary brush 3. This allows the cleaner to include no second motor,to have the reduced weight, and to be used easily.

[0142] (Embodiment 2)

[0143] Referring to the drawings, embodiment 2 of the invention will beexplained below.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 20, the case of a nozzle section 74is composed of an upper unit 76, a lower unit 77, a window 105, a lid135, a belt cover 129, and a support plate 120. The case incorporates ablower 71, a dust collection box unit 72, a rotary brush 73, a safetydevice 87, a switch 84, and a hand-holder 99. An aluminum handle 75 isdetachably fitted to the hand-holder 99. The handle 75 is composed ofthree or four aluminum pipes coupled to each other. A grip 121 of thehandle 75 is the position to be gripped by a user. In the center of theattaching unit 122 of the handle 75 engaged with the hand-holder 99, anelastic ratchet 100 is provided, and is engaged with a hole 123 in thehand-holder 99.

[0145] One side of a rotary shaft 125 of the hand-holder 99 forms a footto fit with a spring 124 having a nearly U-shape. Other side of therotary shaft 125 fits the switch 84 to a switch support plate 126, andthe rotary shaft 125 is inserted in the switch support plate 126attached the switch 84.

[0146] In a rotary brush compartment 78, the rotary brush 73 isdisposed, and the belt cover 129 is provided so as to cover a pulley128. A fan 131 is press-fitted at one side of a shaft 130 of the blower71. A pulley 109 is attached to other end of the shaft 130. The pulley109 is linked to an intermediate pulley 110 with a belt 111, and theintermediate pulley 110 and a pulley 128 are linked with a belt 112.

[0147] The dust collection box unit 72 is, as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG.22, composed of a dust collection box 82 and a filter unit 83. An intakeport 95 of the dust collection box 82 is surrounded by a bump 138, andis engaged with the surface of a dust suction port 79 in the rotarybrush compartment 78.

[0148] A brush 132 is disposed at the front side of the nozzle section74, and a brush 133 is disposed at the lower side of the center of thecleaner main body. A roller 134 is provided behind the section.

[0149] An operation of the vacuum cleaner having such configuration willbe explained. Upon being turned from a 90-degree upright position by acertain angle about the rotary shaft 125, the handle 75 have the switch84 turned on. When the switch 84 is turned on, the blower 71 starts torotate, and rotate the rotary brush 73 through the intermediate pulley110. Dust particles swept by the rotary brush 73 are sent into the dustcollection box unit 72 from the dust suction port 79 through the intakeport 95, and collected in the dust collection box unit 72 withoutpassing through the filter unit 83 provided at the outlet. The exhaustpassing through the filter unit 83 also passes through the filter 117,and further, passes through the blower 71 and filter 118. Then, theexhaust is discharged into the rotary brush compartment 78. When thehandle 75 is returned to the original position, the operation stops.

[0150] The dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box main body 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitting tothe dust collection box main body 82. The rotary brush 73 is disposed inthe rotary brush compartment 78 of the nozzle section 74, which sweepsaway the dust particles from a carpet. By the suction force of theblower 71, the dust particles pass through the dust suction port 79,pass through the intake port 95 of the dust collection box unit 72 andthe suction passage 80. Then, the particles are filtered by the filterunit 83, thus being captured.

[0151] In this configuration, flow of air passes through the dustsuction port 79. The dust collection box 82 includes a suction passage80 having an intake port 95 and an outlet in a nearly L-shape similar tothe intake port 95 of the dust collection box 82. The suction passage 80changes the flow direction by 90 degrees laterally, and therefore, theair flows in parallel with the filter unit 83 in the inner parts of the(lust collection box 82. Suction from the blower 71 is applied from aposition behand the center of the dust collection box 82.

[0152] Therefore, since the flow of air taken in the dust collection boxunit 72 passes in parallel with the filter unit 83 of the dustcollection box unit 72, dust particles are collected from the inner partof the dust collection box 82. Therefore, a user is noticed of a dustcollection level, so that an easy-to-use vacuum cleaner can bepresented.

[0153] Dust particles swept by the rotary brush 73 are sent into thedust collection box unit 72 from the dust suction port 79 through theintake port 95, and collected in the dust collection box unit 72 withoutpassing through the filter unit 83 provided at the outlet. Exhaust fromthe blower 71 is not discharged to outside from the nozzle section 74.The exhaust passing through the filter unit 83 also passes through thefilter 117, and further, passes through the blower 71 and filter 118.Then the exhaust is discharged into the rotary brush compartment 78.This exhaust circulation loop provides a vacuum cleaner being silent inoperation and friendly to environments.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 19, FIG. 23, and FIG. 24, regardless of thepresence of the exhaust circulation loop, the battery 119 may beprovided in the nozzle section 74 or in the hand-holder 99, or in bothnozzle section 74 and hand-holder 99. This provides a cordless andeasy-to-use vacuum cleaner.

[0155] The rotary brush 73 is twisted spirally, and the dust suctionport 79 in the rotary brush compartment 78 carries dust particles by aspirally-twisted-bristle on the brush in the rotating direction of therotary brush 73. Accordingly, the dust suction port 79 is provided atthe dusts carrying side. This provides a vacuum cleaner of an excellentdust collection performance.

[0156] Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the dust collection box unit 72 isinstalled in the recess 94 of the nozzle section 74 from above. The fourcorners of the dust collection box unit 72 and the recess 94 of thenozzle section 74 can fit to each other. The box can be installed onlyfrom one direction. That is, the installing direction is only one, andthe corners are not matched in other directions. Thus, the dustcollection box unit 72 can be installed in the nozzle section 74 only inone direction, and can not be installed in a wrong direction. Thisassures the quality of the cleaner.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 21, the dust collection box unit 72is composed of the dust collection box main body 82 and the filter unit83 detachably fitted to the dust collection box main body 82. The rotarybrush 73 is disposed in the rotary brush compartment 78 of the nozzlesection 74, and sweeps away dust particles from the carpet. The suctionforce by the blower 71 has dust particles pass through the dust suctionport 79, pass through the intake port 95 of the dust collection box unit72 and the suction passage 80. Then, the particles are filtered by thefilter unit 83, thus being captured. At this time, the intake port 98 ofthe blower 71 is provided diagonally, nearly in the width direction, tothe intake port 95 of the dust collection box unit 72.

[0158] In this configuration, air passes through the dust suction port79. In the dust collection box main body 82, a suction passage 80 isformed. The passage has an inlet, i.e., the intake port 95, and anoutlet with a nearly L-shape is similar to the intake port 95 of thedust collection box main body 82. The passage changes the flow directionby 90 degrees laterally, and therefore, the air flows in parallel to thefilter unit 83 in the inner parts of the dust collection box main body82. Suction by the blower 71 is applied from an inner part of the dustcollection box 82, and dust particles are collected from the inner partof the dust collection box 82. As a result, since the flow of air takenin the dust collection box unit 72 passes in parallel with the filterunit 83 of the dust collection box unit 72, dust particles are collectedfrom the inner part of the dust collection box 82. Thus, a user isnoticed of dust collection level. This provides a vacuum cleaner usedeasily.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 22, the cleaner according to theembodiment has the rotary brush 73 disposed in the rotary brushcompartment 78. Dust is sent into the dust collection box unit 72through the dust suction port 79. The intake port; 95 of the dustcollection box unit 72 is surrounded by the bump 138 fitting directlyinto the dust suction port 79.

[0160] When the dust collection box unit 72 is installed in the nozzlesection 74, an elastic element of the filter unit 83, which includes afilter paper attached to the elastic element, is pressed and deflectedwith the nozzle section 74 if the intake port 95 of the dust collectionbox 82 hits against the dust suction port 79. As a result, the bump 138of the intake port 95 and the dust suction port 79 contact face to facewith each other, and thus, are connected securely. Simultaneously, thefilter unit 83 and the nozzle section 74 are also pressed and fixedfirmly, so that the vacuum cleaner of high performance can employ asmall number of parts.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 26, the dust collection box unit 72 is installedin the recess 94 of the nozzle section 74 from above. The four cornersof the dust collection box unit 72 and the recess 94 of the nozzlesection 74 fit to each other. This allows the box unit 72 to beinstalled only from one direction. Moreover, said box unit 72 and nozzlesection 74 are fixed and held by a ratchet 137 in a portion extendedfrom the top of box unit 72 engaged to a holding part 101 on the top ofthe nozzle section 74.

[0162] When the dust collection box unit 72 is installed in the recess94 of the nozzle section 74, the box unit 72 functions as a guide. Theratchet 137 in a portion extended from the top of the dust collectionbox unit 72 fits to the holding part 101 on the top of the nozzlesection 74. When being dismounted, the dust collection box unit 72functions as a guide so as to be pulled out upward. At this moment, theratchet 137 can be visually checked, and the box unit 72, since beingprovided on the top, is prevented from dust particles. This provides avacuum cleaner stable in quality and easy in attaching or detaching ofdust collection box unit 72.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the dust collection box unit 72is installed in the recess 94 of the nozzle section 74 from above. Thefour corners of the dust collection box unit 72 and the recess 94 of thenozzle section 74 fit to each other. The box unit 72 can be installedonly from one direction. Moreover, the dust collection box unit 72 andnozzle section 74 are fixed to each other in two parts. In one part, aratchet 137 provided in a portion extended from the top of the dustcollection box unit 72 is engaged to a holding part 101 provided on thetop of the nozzle section 74. In other part, the holding part 101 at theopposite side of a belt compartment 102 of the nozzle section 74 isengaged to the corresponding ratchet 137 in the grip 97 of the dustcollection box unit 72.

[0164] In this configuration, when being installed in the recess 94 ofthe nozzle section 74 from above, the dust collection box unit 72 itselffunctions as a guide, thus being securely fixed into the recess of thenozzle section 74. In order to detach the dust collection box unit 72from the recess 94 of the nozzle section 74, the grip 97 of the dustcollection box unit 72 is pulled out. Then, the ratchet 137 of the grip97 is detached from the holding part 101. And the ratchet 137 on the topof the belt compartment 102 is also detached from the holding part 101by the dust collection box unit 72 on the top of the belt compartment102 turning about the rotary shaft. Thus, the grip 97 of the dustcollection box unit 12 at the opposite side of the belt compartment 102and the dust collection box unit 72 on the top of the belt compartment102 provides an easy-to-detaching and easy-to-use vacuum cleaner.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19, the blower 71, the dustcollection box unit 72, and the rotary brush 73 are disposed in thenozzle section 74. The belt 111 for linking the pulley 109 andintermediate pulley 110 of the blower 71, and the belt 112 for linkingthe intermediate pulley 110 and rotary brush 73 are disposed in the beltcompartment 102. They transmit rotation of the blower 71. The filter 118is provided opposite to the rotary brush compartment 78.

[0166] In an exhaust circulation loop for returning exhaust from theblower 71 to the brush compartment 78 through the filter unit 83 andfilter 117, the exhaust is not discharged to outside of the unit fromthe nozzle section 74. Thus, the belt compartment 102 is utilized as apassage of the exhaust circulation, and the belts and pulleys areexposed to the exhaust. The exhaust prevents the belts and pulleys fromdust, and prevents the compartment from invasion of dust from outside.The exhaust passage is confronting the rotary brush compartment 78 ofthe rotary brush 73. The filter 118 is provided to prevent the dustparticles swept by the rotary brush 73 from invading. Since the beltcompartment 102 is composed in the exhaust circulation passage, anotherexhaust circulation passage is not needed, and the dust collection boxunit 72 is prevented from being installed incorrectly and becomescompact while maintaining its size and capacity.

[0167] This configuration provides a silent, environment-friendly,easy-to-use, and lightweight vacuum cleaner.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19, and FIG. 28, the dust collectionbox unit 72 is disposed in the nozzle section 74, and is composed likedrawer in a space enclosed by the upper unit 76 and window 105, or bythe lower unit 77 and window 105.

[0169] The dust collection box unit 72 is composed like a drawer in theplace enclosed by the upper unit 76 and window 105, or by the lower unit77 and window 105. Therefore, this enclosed place is hardly moved bydeviation of ribs or the like due to impact from the front side of thecleaner main body. That is, the upper side is reinforced with the window105 formed in a member composed of the upper unit 76 or lower unit 77.The member, upon made of transparent material, allows a user to visuallycheck the inside dust collection level in the dust collection box unit72.

[0170] This configuration increases the strength of the nozzle section74, and has the inside of the dust collection box unit 72 visible, thusproviding an easy-to-use vacuum cleaner. As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 22,the dust collection box unit 72 is disposed in the nozzle section 74.The dust collection box unit 72 is composed like a drawer in a spaceenclosed by the upper unit 76 and window 105, or by the lower unit 77and window 105.

[0171] The dust collection box unit 72 is composed like a drawer in theplace enclosed by the upper unit 76 and window 105, or by the lower unit77 and window 105. Therefore, this enclosed place is hardly moved bydeviation of ribs or the like due to impact from the front side of thecleaner main body. That is, the upper side is reinforced by the window105 in the member composed of the upper unit 76 or lower unit 77. One ormore holes 106 in the window 105 make the inside of the dust collectionbox unit 72 visible from the top of the product, and allows the cleanerto be used more easily.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 and FIG. 29, the dust collectionbox unit 72 disposed in the nozzle section 74 is composed like a drawerin a space enclosed by the upper unit 76 and window 105, or by the lowerunit 77 and window 105. Further, a hole 106 is formed in the overallwidth of the window 105, and a wall 107 is formed on the hole 106. Thewall 107 is used as a second handle. The dust collection box unit 72,upon being made of transparent material, has its inside be visible.

[0173] In this configuration, the wall 107 surrounds the window 105, andthe user can carry the cleaner main body by gripping the wall 107. Theuser, when cleaning stairs, for example, grips the wall 107 as asteering handle, thus using the cleaner more easily. Moreover, the dustcollection box unit 72, upon being made of a transparent material, hasits inside be visible, thus allowing the cleaner to be used easily.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 and FIG. 30, the dust collectionbox unit 72 is disposed in the nozzle section 74, and the dustcollection box unit 72 is composed like a drawer in a space enclosed bythe upper unit 76 and window 105, or by the lower unit 77 and window105. Further at least one side wall 108 of the dust collection box unit72 is tapered from the grip 97 toward the leading end 113, and thenozzle section 74 is similarly tapered.

[0175] In this configuration, the wall surrounded by the upper unit 76and the window 105 or by the lower unit 77 and the window 105 isinstalled to the dust collection box unit 72 with having their tapersmatch to each other. A soft member of the filter unit 83, i.e., one ofcomponents of the dust collection box unit 72, is not rubbed againstother parts although being always installed. The soft member contactsonly when being fixed finally. This allows the dust collection box unit72 to be mounted easily and to be thus used more easily.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 21, the dust collection box unit 72is disposed in the nozzle section 74. The dust collection box unit 72 iscomposed like a drawer in a space enclosed by the upper unit 76 andwindow 105 or by the lower unit 77 and window 105. One or more ribs 114are provided on the dust collection box unit 72, or on the upper unit 76and window 105, or on the lower unit 77 and window 105, in parallel withthe insertion direction of the upper side and lower side of the dustcollection box unit 72.

[0177] In this configuration, in the space enclosed by the upper unit 76and window 105 or by the lower unit 77 and window 105, the case of thedust collection box unit 72 does not fit face to face with the upperunit 76 and window 105 or with the lower unit 77 and window 105. Thecase contacts to the rib 114, so that the resistance is lowered. Thisprovides a light-handling, flaw-resistant vacuum cleaner.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 21, the dust collection box unit 72is disposed in the nozzle section 74. The dust collection box unit 72 iscomposed like a drawer in a space enclosed by the upper unit 76 andwindow 105 or by the lower unit 77 and window 105. The grip 97 is shapedalong the appearance of the cleaner, and a protrusion 115 is provided inthe lower part of the grip 97.

[0179] In this configuration, when the dust collection box unit 72 isdrawn from the opening 116 by hooking the grip 97 with a finger, theprotrusion 115 hits against the side of a hand. This prevents the handfrom rubbing against the floor, thus providing an easy-to-use vacuum.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, the dust collection box unit 72is disposed in the nozzle section 74. The dust collection box unit 72 iscomposed like a drawer in a space enclosed by the upper unit 76 andwindow 105 or by the lower unit 77 and window 105. A safety device 87 isfurther provided near the opening 116.

[0181] In this configuration, if the rotary brush 73 is locked uponbeing caught by an end of carpet or the like, the safety device 87operates. The safety device 87 can be reset manually. Thus, the user canreset through pressing a button of the safety device 87. The safetydevice 87 near the opening 116 allows operating parts handled by theuser to concentrate in a place. This provides an easy-to-use vacuumcleaner.

[0182] According to the embodiment, the dust collection box unit 72 iscomposed of the dust collection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachablyfitted to the dust collection box 82. The box unit 72 is configured toflow in nearly parallel with the surface of the filter unit 83. As aresult, dust particles are collected from the inner portion of the dustcollection box unit 72. This allows the user to visually check the dustcollection level, and thus allows the cleaner to be used easily.

[0183] Further, the dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box main body 82. The suction passage 80 is formed from oneend to other end of the dust collection box unit 72. This makes dustparticles collected from the inner portion of the dust collection boxunit 72, thus allowing the user to visually check the dust collectionlevel, and allowing the cleaner to be used easily.

[0184] Further, the dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box 82. The suction passage 80 is formed integrally with thedust collection box 82. This reduces the number of parts, and further,provides the cleaner with a stable performance free from air leak.

[0185] Further, the dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the box82. The dust collection box 82 of the dust collection box unit 72 isnearly rectangular parallelepiped. The four corners of the recess 94 ofthe nozzle section 74 for mounting the dust collection box unit 72 areshaped identically with the four corners corresponding to the dustcollection box main body 82. This allows the dust collection box unit 72to be installed in the nozzle 74 only in one direction.

[0186] The dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box 82. The intake port 95 of the dust collection box 82 andthe intake port 98 of the blower 71 are provided diagonally nearly inthe width direction of the nozzle section 74. This makes dust particlesare collected from the inner portion of the dust collection box unit 72,thus allowing the user to visually check the dust collection level, andproviding an easy-to-use cleaner.

[0187] The dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box 82. The intake port 95 of the dust collection box unit 72and the dust collection port 79 of the nozzle section 74 are tightlyfixed with the bump 138 provided in the dust collection box 82. Thisreduces the number of parts, and makes the dust suction performancestable.

[0188] The dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box main body 82. In order to install the dust collection boxunit 72 in the recess 94 of the nozzle section 74, the ratchet 137 forholding the nozzle section 74 and dust collection box unit 72 isprovided outside of the recess 94 of the nozzle section 74. This allowsthe dust collection box unit 72 to be securely fixed and held, thusenhancing the quality.

[0189] Further, the blower 71, rotary brush 73, and dust collection boxunit 72 are disposed in the nozzle section 74. The dust collection boxunit 72 is composed of the dust collection box 82 and the filter unit 83detachably fitted to the dust collection box 82. The grip 97 of the dustcollection box 82 is attached at the opposite side of the belts 111, 112for linking the blower 71 and rotary brush 73. This maintains the dustcollecting capacity without sacrificing the appearance.

[0190] Further, the dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box 82. The dust collection box unit 72 is disposed in thenozzle section 74, and the window 105 is formed on the top of the nozzlesection 74 so as to cover the dust collection box unit 72. The dustcollection box unit 72 is composed like a drawer in a space enclosed bythe window 105 and the lower unit 77 or by the upper unit 76. As aresult, the upper unit 76 can be reinforced by the window 105, and thestrength can be increased.

[0191] Further, the dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box 82. The dust collection box unit 72 is disposed in thenozzle section 74, and the window 105 is formed on the top of the nozzlesection 74 so as to cover the dust collection box unit 72. One or moreholes 106 are provided in the window 105, and the dust collection boxunit 72 is composed like a drawer in a space enclosed by the window 105and the lower unit 77 or by the window 105 and the upper unit 76. Thisallows the dust collection level on the dust collection box unit 72 tobe visually checked, and enhances the ease of use.

[0192] Further, the dust collection box unit 72 is composed of the dustcollection box 82 and the filter unit 83 detachably fitted to the dustcollection box 82. The dust collection box unit 72 is disposed in thenozzle section 74, and the window 105 is formed on the top of the nozzlesection 74 so as to cover the dust collection box unit 72. A hole 106 isformed in the window 105 almost in the overall width of the dustcollection box 82, and a wall 107 is formed on the hole 106 from thefront part of the nozzle section 74 toward the center of the hole 106.As a result, the dust collection level can be checked through the window105, and a second grip is formed in the window, so that the ease of usemay be enhanced.

[0193] Moreover, the blower 71, the dust collection box unit 72, and therotary brush 73 are disposed in the nozzle section 74. The dustcollection box unit 72 is disposed to be drawn out freely from theopening 116 at the side of the nozzle section 74. The box unit at leastone side is tapered at least one side from the grip 97 of the dustcollection box unit 72 toward the leading end, and a similar taper isformed in the mounting portion in the nozzle opening. This allows thedust collection box unit 72 to be mounted to the nozzle section 74 moreeasily.

[0194] The dust collection box unit 72 is disposed to be drawn outfreely from the opening 116 at the side of the nozzle section 74. One ormore ribs 114 are provided on the top of the dust collection box unit72, the window 105, a lower side of the dust collection box unit 72, orprovided along the mounting direction from the lower unit 77 to the dustcollection box unit 72. This allows the dust collection box unit 72 tobe mounted to the nozzle section 74 more easily.

[0195] The dust collection box unit 72 is disposed to be drawn outfreely from the opening 116 at the side of the nozzle section 74. Thegrip 97 is shaped along the appearance, and a step 115 which does notproject from the appearance of the nozzle section 74 is provided in thelower part of the grip 97. As a result, even if gripping the grip, ahand is prevented from rubbing against a floor, so that the ease of usemay be enhanced.

[0196] The dust collection box unit 72 is disposed to be drawn outfreely from the opening 116 at the side of the nozzle section 74. Thesafety device 87 is provided at a grip 97 side of the dust collectionbox unit 72, so that the ease of use may be enhanced.

[0197] Further, in the configuration that the blower 71, rotary brush73, and dust collection box unit 72 are disposed in the nozzle section74, the dust collection box unit 72 is installed in the recess 94 of thenozzle section 74. A passage for sending exhaust from the blower 71 intothe rotary brush compartment 78 is provided in the recess 94. And thedust collection box unit 72 is specified in direction, so that the dustcollection box unit 72 can be installed in the nozzle section 74 only inone direction.

[0198] (Embodiment 3)

[0199] Referring to the drawings, embodiment 3 of the invention will beexplained. As shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. 33, a cleaner main body 141 has ahandle 142 for operation disposed tiltably on its top. Behind thecleaner main body 141, a blower 144 is disposed, and a dust collectionunit 145 is provided at the suction side of the blower 144. A suctionunit 146 is provided ahead of the cleaner main body 141, and a suctionport 147 for introducing dust particles on a surface to be cleaned intothe suction unit 146 is provided at the lower side of it. The suctionunit 146 and dust collection unit 145 are communicated with a passage,and a battery 143 is disposed behind the suction unit 146. Further, atthe lower side behind the cleaner main body 141, a charger terminalconnection unit 148 and a hole 149 are disposed. The charger terminalconnection unit 148 is disposed in an outer space in the front part ofthe blower 144, away from the center of the cleaner main body 141. Thecharger terminal connection unit 148 has a concave shape getting intothe outer space of the blower 144 from the lower side, and a terminal148 a is provided in this concave wall. At the rear end of the cleanermain body 141, a traveling roller 150 is provided in a form ofprojecting from the lower side and rear side of the cleaner main body141.

[0200] A charger 151 is separated into a left box 153 for accommodatinga power transformer 152 and a right box 155 for accommodating a printedcircuit board 154, which are coupled by a flat coupling plane 158 to beformed nearly in a squared U-shape. Inside of the coupling plane 158,lead wires 157 are disposed, while a bump 159 to be inserted into thehole 149 of the cleaner main body 141 is provided on the top of thecoupling plane 158. The bump 159 of the coupling plane 158 fits into thehole 149 of the cleaner main body 141. The charger terminal connectionunit 148 and charger terminal 160 are connected. As the hole 149 andbump 159 fit together, the cleaner main body 141 is securely held at aspecified position of the charger 151. The top of the coupling plane 158on which the cleaner main body 141 is mounted is formed in a slope. Whenthe cleaner main body 141 is mounted, the forward bottom 161 of thecleaner main body 141 may contact with the floor 162. On the top of thecoupling plane 158, a recess 163 is provided for installing the roller150 of the cleaner main body 141. A power wire 157 is inserted into anordinary wall outlet. The battery is accommodated in the operationhandle 142 tiltably provided through the rotary shaft 164. Specifically,the battery is accommodating in a space 165 with a lid 166 for openingthe space from the case. This allows the battery 143 to be installed andremoved easily.

[0201] This configuration is composed of the cleaner main body 141accommodating the blower 144 and including the charger terminalconnection unit 148, and the charger 151 having the charger terminal 160connected to the charger terminal connection unit 148 of the cleanermain body 141. The charger 151 is separated into the left box 153 foraccommodating the power transformer 152 and the right box 155 foraccommodating the printed circuit board 154. The cleaner main body 141is mounted on the coupling plane 158 including the charger terminal unit160. The charger 151 is formed nearly in a squared U-shape. Therefore,the coupling planes 158 of the left box 153 and right box 155 arecomposed in parallel with each other, and the dimension of the cleanermain body 141 projecting from the charger 151 (a floor contactdimension) can be decreased. This can reduce the space of installing thecleaner main body 141 in the charger 151.

[0202] Moreover, the charger 151 is formed like the squared U-shapehaving the left box 153 and right box 155 projecting upward from bothsides of the coupling plane 158. Therefore, when the cleaner main body141 is mounted on the coupling plane 158, respective walls of both boxesfunction as guides for inserting the cleaner main body 141, so that theease of use is further enhanced.

[0203] Further, a slope on the coupling plane 158 including the chargerterminal unit 160 has the forward bottom 161 of the cleaner main body141 touch on the floor 162 when installing the cleaner main body 141.Therefore, in addition to with the coupling plane 158, the cleaner mainbody 141 has the forward bottom 161 supported with the floor 162. Thisincreases a supporting area for the cleaner main body 141 upon beingstored, thus being installed stably.

[0204] The forward bottom 161 of the cleaner main body 141 abut by forceforms a space cleared from the floor 162 behind. The space avoides thecontact between the floor 162 and a lip 167 for sweeping made of softmaterial provided behind the forward bottom 161 (behind the rotary brushin the suction unit)of the cleaner main body 141. This prevents the lip167 from deformation due to contact.

[0205] In the conventional configuration, when the cleaner main body 141is put in the charger 151, dust particles sticking to the rotary brush168 often fall and gather in the coupling plane 158 of the charger 151.But in this configuration, the dust particles falling on the couplingplane 158 do not stay on the coupling plane 158 because the couplingplane 158 is sloped, but slide on the floor 162. The falling dustparticles can be easily sucked up through detaching the cleaner mainbody 141 from the charger 151.

[0206] Further, the recess 153 is provided for installing the roller 150of the cleaner main body 141 in the coupling plane 158 forming thecharger terminal unit 160. This allows the charger 151 to be fixed moresecurely to the cleaner main body 141.

[0207] The battery 143, since being provided in the cleaner main body141, lowers the center of gravity of the cleaner main body 141. And thestructure having the left box 153, the right box 155, and the couplingplane 158 in a squared U-shape coupling the left box 153 and right box155 allows the main body to be stored stably.

[0208] The battery 143, upon being provided in the handle 142 foroperation tiltably provided on the top of the cleaner main body 141,does not require its storing space in the cleaner main body 141. Thisreduces the case shape and the size, and thus reduces the overall sizeduring a charging including the charger 151.

[0209] Thus, according to the embodiment, the cleaner includes thecleaner main body 141 having the charger terminal connection unit 148,and the charger 151 composed of the separated boxes. The chargerterminal unit 160 is provided in the coupling plane 158 for coupling theboxes, and the cleaner main body 141 is mounted on the coupling plane158. Therefore, their layout is parallel instead of the tandem layout inthe prior art. Overlaying of the cleaner main body 141 on charger151upon being stored reduces the floor contact area, deletes obstaclewhen being stored, and enhances the convenience of use.

[0210] The chargeable vacuum cleaner incorporating the blower 144 hasbeen explained, but the same effects are also obtained in a chargeablefloor polishing cleaner without the incorporated blower 144.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0211] The invention presents a vacuum cleaner which can be repairedeasily, inform a dust collection level visually, and be charged andstored while saving a space, so that the convenience for the user isoutstandingly improved.

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a blower; a dust collection box, saidblower and said dust collection box unit being working elements; anozzle section accommodating said blower and said dust collection boxunit; a handle coupled to said nozzle section, wherein said nozzlesection includes an upper unit and a lower unit, and wherein at leastone of said working elements is supported by said upper unit and otherunit disposed in said lower unit, or by said lower unit and other partdisposed in said upper unit.
 2. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a nozzlesection; a handle rotatably coupled to said nozzle section; a blower; adust collection box unit, said blower and said dust collection box unitbeing working elements; a rotary brush rotated by a motor through abelt; and a rotary brush compartment incorporating said rotary brush,being accommodated in said nozzle section, wherein said dust collectionbox unit has a dust suction port for guiding a dust particle from saidrotary brush compartment to said dust collection box unit, wherein saiddust suction port is formed higher position than a center plane of saiddust collection box unit at a side of said rotary brush compartment, andwherein said belt is disposed at an opposite side to said side of saidrotary brush compartment.
 3. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a blower; arotary brush for sweeping a dust particle; a belt for transmitting adriving force from said blower or other motor to said rotary brush; anda belt compartment accommodating said belt, being used as an exhaustpassage for passing exhaust from said blower.
 4. A vacuum cleanercomprising: a nozzle section; a handle coupled to said nozzle section; ablower; a dust collection box unit, said blower and said dust collectionbox unit being working elements; and a rotary brush for sweeping a dustparticle, being accommodated in said nozzle section, wherein said dustcollection unit is detachably disposed at an opening provided at a sideof said nozzle section.
 5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4, wherein saidnozzle section includes a case including a lower unit and an upper unit,wherein said dust collection box unit includes: a dust collection box;and a filter unit detachably fitting to said dust collection box,wherein a window is formed on a top of said nozzle section for coveringsaid dust collection box unit, and wherein said dust collection box unitis inserted in a space enclosed by said window and said lower unit or bysaid window and said upper unit.
 6. A vacuum cleaner comprising: ablower; a dust collection box unit, said blower and said dust collectionbox unit being working elements; a cleaner main body including a firstouter frame disposed at a front portion thereof and a second outer framedisposed at a rear portion thereof; a rotary brush provided in saidfirst outer frame; and an operating portion including a handle and aswitch provided in said second outer frame.
 7. A vacuum cleanercomprising: a nozzle section; a handle coupled to said nozzle section; ablower; a dust collection box unit; a rotary brush, said blower, saiddust collection box unit, and said rotary brush being working elements;and a battery for said blower, wherein said battery and said blower aredisposed at right and left sides of said nozzle section, respectively.8. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a nozzle section crawling on a floor; ablower; a rotary brush for sweeping a dust particle, being accommodatedin said nozzle section; and a decelerator for rotation of said blower atleast in two stages for transmitting the rotation to said rotary brush.9. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a blower; and a dust collection box unitcommunicating with a suction side of said blower, for collecting a dustparticle, said dust collection box unit including: a dust collectionbox; and a filter unit detachably fitting to said dust collection box,wherein suction air passing through said dust collection box unit flowsnearly in parallel with a surface of said filter unit.
 10. A vacuumcleaner comprising: a blower; and a dust collection box unitcommunicating with a suction side of said blower, for collecting a dustparticle, said dust collection box unit including: a dust collectionbox; and a filter unit detachably fitting to said dust collection box,wherein a suction passage is formed in said dust collection box unitfrom one end to other end of said dust collection box unit
 11. A vacuumcleaner comprising: a blower; a dust collection box unit communicatingwith a suction side of said blower for collecting a dust particle, saiddust collection box unit including: a dust collection box; and a filterunit detachably fitting to said dust collection box; and a nozzlesection; wherein an intake port of said dust collection box and anintake port of said blower are disposed diagonally nearly in a widthdirection of said nozzle section.
 12. A vacuum cleaner comprising: anozzle section crawling on a floor; a blower; a rotary brush forsweeping a dust particle; a dust collection unit including: a dustcollection box; and a filter unit detachably fitting to said dustcollection box; a belt for transmitting rotation of said blower to saidrotary brush, being disposed in said nozzle section; and a grip providedat a side of said dust collection box, said side being opposite to saidbelt
 13. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a nozzle section crawling on afloor; a blower; a rotary brush for sweeping a dust particle; a dustcollection box unit including: a dust collection box having a grip at aside thereof; and a filter unit detachably fitting to said dustcollection box; and a belt for transmitting rotation of said blower tosaid rotary brush, being disposed in said nozzle section, wherein saiddust collection box unit is freely drawn out of and put in an openingprovided at a side of said nozzle section, and wherein said grip of saiddust collection box is shaped along an appearance shape.
 14. A vacuumcleaner comprising: a nozzle section crawling on a floor; a blower; arotary brush for sweeping a dust particle; a dust collection box unithaving a grip, being disposed in said nozzle section; and a safetydevice operating when said rotary brush is overloaded, being disposed ata side of said dust collection box unit, said grip is disposed at saidside, wherein said dust collection box unit is freely drawn out of andput in an opening provided at a side of said nozzle section.
 15. Avacuum cleaner comprising: a nozzle section; a blower; a rotary brushcompartment having a recess formed therein, including a rotary brush forsweeping a dust particle; and a dust collection box unit installed insaid recess, said dust collection box unit being disposed in said nozzlesection, wherein a passage for sending exhaust from said blower intosaid rotary brush compartment is formed in said recess.
 16. A vacuumcleaner comprising: a cleaner main body including a charge terminalconnection unit; and a charger including: separate boxes; a couplingplane coupling said separate boxes; and a charger terminal unit providedon said coupling plane, wherein said cleaner main body is mounted onsaid coupling plane.
 17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16, wherein aforward bottom of said cleaner main body touches down on ;a floor whensaid cleaner main body is mounted on said charger.
 18. The vacuumcleaner of claim 16 further comprising: a power source transformerdisposed in one of said separate boxes; and a printed circuit boarddisposed in other of said separate boxes.
 19. The vacuum cleaner ofclaim 17 further comprising: a power source transformer disposed in oneof said separate boxes; and a printed circuit board disposed in other ofsaid separate boxes.